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Catalytic routes and oxidation mechanisms in photoreforming of polyols

Journal Article · · Journal of Catalysis

Photocatalytic reforming of biomass-derived oxygenates leads to H2 generation and evolution of CO2 via parallel formation of organic intermediates through anodic oxidations on a Rh/TiO2 photocatalyst. The reaction pathways and kinetics in the photoreforming of C3–C6 polyols were explored. Polyols are converted via direct and indirect hole transfer pathways resulting in (i) oxidative rupture of C–C bonds, (ii) oxidation to a-oxygen functionalized aldoses and ketoses (carbonyl group formation) and (iii) light-driven dehydration. Direct hole transfer to chemisorbed oxygenates on terminal Ti(IV)-OH groups, generating alkoxy-radicals that undergo ß-C–C-cleavage, is proposed for the oxidative C–C rupture. Carbonyl group formation and dehydration are attributed to indirect hole transfer at surface lattice oxygen sites [Ti_ _ _O_ _ _Ti] followed by the generation of carbon-centered radicals. Polyol chain length impacts the contribution of the oxidation mechanisms favoring the C–C bond cleavage (internal preferred over terminal) as the dominant pathway with higher polyol carbon number.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
1344058
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA--123533; KC0302010
Journal Information:
Journal of Catalysis, Journal Name: Journal of Catalysis Journal Issue: C Vol. 344; ISSN 0021-9517
Publisher:
Elsevier
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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